Music Man 212 HD 130 Combo Amp Review | Guitar Interactive Magazine

[@ExitThirteen]

I have the original issue of this amp, mine's a 1976. And yes, it is amazing. Buttery smooth tone and wonderful versatility. Mine's in really nice shape for the age, just some wear on the pedal that comes with the amp. All functions work 100%. Bought it from a local guitar shop that I don't believe knew what they had. Best purchase I ever made.

[@GuitarInteractive]

ExitThirteen Thats a great purchase!

[@ExitThirteen]

I did some looking on the amp and the transformer codes read the 38th week of 1973. I know my particular amp is the first gen of this model, as it uses a single 12AX7 tube in the phase inverter stage. Later models went to solid state for the phase inverter. I just need a good Fender strat, tele, or a Gretsch to play on it! Currently I use an original issue Ibanez IC-300 "Iceman". Great for that metal sound, but not so great for clean. LOL

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

It feels so good to find something like that. Congrats. I stumbled across a Deluxe Reverb much the same way. Let's 🎸.

[@justinlee9756]

There is a Music Man RP (reverb-phasor) model ,and if you take the run the reverb out into the input of the front of the amp when the phasor is on it gives you this HUGE "leslie" rotating speaker sound!!! Big time hidden gem! Seriously a great amp

[@dirt.lavish]

the input of the other channel? or the second input on the same channel?

[@JazzKatzs]

Finally someone who actually knows how to play guitar doing the demo- good job

[@RM-gm7lu]

Was thinking the same thing!

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

Can totally hear the 1980-era Dire Straits tone.

[@ralfhedstrom]

I own the original (2nd generation 1974-79) and I agree with everything said in the video. I am so happy with mine and I can't understand what went wrong with it in the 80's. A little bit disappointed though that the reissue don't have an FX-loop...every modern amp needs an FX-loop. Otherwise the amp is a perfect pedal-amp and the tone is just directly from heaven as it, at the same time, can move so much air it can get almost painful at time :)

[@rcoveyduc]

With that pedal engaged, it was approaching Eric Johnson-like tones. Beauty.

[@dotkennedy1615]

I thought the same thing!

[@pierofocaccia]

I have a MM 65W 210 from late 70s and I have to say it sounds great, lots of power, clear tones and great dynamics. I usually keep the Depp button on and I bridge the 2 channels together. Great amp, I am happy they are bringing it back.

[@mojoemurphy]

If you really want a great sound with these, crank the master and turn up volume to taste, then all the breakup you get is on the power tubes.

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Just heard the breakup sounds awesome

[@kashphlinktu]

Ok but at 130 tube watts you’re gonna be deaf

[@peterstone4277]

@@kashphlinktu the manual actually specifies that it's designed to be run with the master at 10. You get the tone of the amp working at full capacity but with the channel volume down low it's a totally reasonable level.

[@jerrytidmore9485]

I have an all original. 1974 ,115 and love it.

[@mhoppy6639]

We had one of these at school in the early 90s. It was AMAZING!!! But god it was heavy.

[@whatwedointheshadows3349]

Have you ever tried moving the 4x10 version?

[@joedaknis6381]

I have one made in 1978, and couldn't agree more. They weigh a ton compared to most 212 combos. I used to used to play a lot in a friend's attic in the 90's - and carrying it up and down 2 flights of stairs every weekend was brutal.

[@georgeperillo6421]

Back in the day, I played a 1969 Strat through a 1977 vintage 212 HD 130. The other guitarist played a 1968 Les Paul Custom. What I remember best about this amp is my Strat didn't have any problem cutting through the mix and it pissed off the other guitar player. Better that a Fender Twin Reverb hands down.

[@MrMrslug]

Any chance you guys review a Quilter Micro Pro? Geezus!!! Tom is from another dimension!

[@bordonbert]

As well as the preamp being solid state, (with a very interesting approach to clipping on overdrive using BJTs rather than diodes or MOSFETs), I'm fairly sure that the output stages are Musicman's hybrid solid state/valve design. Each side of the output valve lineup is actually made up of a pair of EL34s sitting on top of a power transistor in a cascode configuration. This is a very rare way of doing things but it gives control to the transistors which are running at low voltage as they set the bias much more accurately and reliably and deal with amplification, while the valve handles the high voltage and simply passes the transistors current while keeping the valve response of the stage to the output transformer. It really is almost unique and gives the power amp valve tone with solid state control. The cascode configuration extends frequency response too which the Musicman excels at.

[@allrelative3065]

Sounds so great, my only issue is Tom is such an incredible player he could make anything sound great.

[@robertbriquet]

I am fortunate to have this reissue amp. Zero problems whatsoever. I am so happy with it. I run a Strymon Mobius and the dude pedal, I use a Little bit of the onboard reverb. Works fantastic.

[@darwinsaye]

Whatever happened to these being reissued? Lots of these demos from around 2015, but then nothing, and no info online.

[@lindahaines0203]

I'm happy to see these amps available again. One notable thing is that they weigh much less than the originals due to lighter speaker components. Do the new ones run hot? I had to clip a fan to the back of my 410HD130 because the heat would build up and not dissipate causing a few instances of near tube melt down. The chassis stays very cool with the a fan. Is the reduced watt output mode still available on the new ones?

[@Nachtopus]

I'm reading that Music Man has reissued this amp, but why then can I never seem to find them new and/or from a dealer? All I can ever seem to find are vintage used ones.

[@brianlee6709]

Same...and three years later! Where are these amps?

[@johnpandolfino8663]

Nice playing......great sounding amp

[@Fugue602]

Why did they stop selling these!?!

[@codymcgrew94]

Fugue State Every time I think I’ve found the perfect amp.... fuck!....

[@BD-me4nk]

If I had to guess people do not want back breaking heavy stadium loud amps nowadays. Anytime I have to lug my HD130 around I cringe. Tone is amazing though, perfect for studio and band setting

[@Robstafarian]

Good cleans are not a challenge for solid state preamps: good dynamics and drive sounds are the challenge. I am betting the 12AX7 mentioned in the power section is the phase inverter, one triode per pair of EL-34s (which is nothing unusual).

[@alexmillar6105]

***** correct, some of the first earlier musicman amps used this

[@chainlightning58]

Where can you purchase one of these? My dad has an original HD-130 and it's pretty sweet, but I'd love to see how the updated ones compare.

[@Khórtos]

At the moment I have a very high gain, treble intensive signal chain. I like to turn down the treble on the amp eq (down to 1.5) but use the bright switch so it doesn't distort too much. Very happy with the amp but I haven't played many others tbh :).

[@kloner]

Good demo. Thanks. I have an original from ~1982. It has the really cool phaser instead of tremolo. I paid $250 about 20 years ago.

[@intanto1]

"1982. It has the really cool phaser instead of tremolo. " The same for me ( 210 HD 150 W). Unfortunately, that series didn't use the tube phase inverter anymore, so that the sound was less "tubey".

[@bradleybrown8399]

kloner I've got the late 70s rp 112 100 watt. Just had it repaired. Paid $250 for it in 1988. Love it.

[@codymcgrew94]

If you came here for Bruce Gilbert’s Tone, from Wire, 5:52 has to be getting it close

[@lizaltman1200]

so its like a versatile fender twin? sortof?

[@mickenilsson]

A tad lot of compression on the video for hearing the natural amp tone... But it sounds nice =)

[@gastonhulsken]

when i can buy this amp ??? i love this sound

[@rasmuss.jrgensen3161]

I love this guys playing.

[@JohnBenoit46290]

Tom's really hitting that guitar at 11:21. Awesome sounding amp!

[@chrissipe6491]

What brand of tubes are used in the re-issue?

[@k-dogstor1170]

How does this sound when you channel jump?

[@TheAlbiCollier]

Is this Leo's answer to the Jazz Chorus?

[@wallyiverson4878]

should I trade a new mim Standard Telecaster for an original HD One Thirty ( 12ax7) head

[@michaelorosco9537]

+Wally Iverson Hell yes!

[@wallyiverson4878]

Michael Orosco ok about to do so

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

Brilliant Amps

[@myguitarexperience]

what guitar are you playing in the video? Thx.

[@50MrBlues]

edward cartagena Fibenare guitar

[@kentbeery4941]

I have an original 1976 in near mint condition.... Best Amp ever !!

[@baronvonchickenpants6564]

Do they still use the same solid-state components??

[@justinlee9756]

baron von chickenpants Yes. In the preamp section. The power section is all tube. Think about how many people use pedals in front there amp,thats solid state. So there is a big misconception that solid state=crap , i belive that also, in this case the combination of the preamp ams power section blend so good. Amazing amp!!!

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

Would love to have a master volume on my Deluxe Reverb

[@JahBabylon82]

Nice amp, but I'm just here cause I could listen to Tom's playing for hours on end.

[@50gary]

Yep.

[@WarrenJamesAcoustic]

I bought one, it was the worst mistake I ever made... to be clear I'm referring specifically to this REISSUE! Musicman have no time for you if you need help, it's not their problem....... The Bass company have zero interest in helping you either....... You can't get any specific technical details on the reissue version and there are differences to the old version....... I was deeply disappointed by the way the two companies clearly didn't give a toss....... AVOID, GET A FENDER TWIN that way you know where you stand! Or get an old musicman amp. For what it's worth, that's my view

I did not find any dealer, in the US, can someone help, please ?

[@mattgilbert7347]

The OG 212 HD 130s from the 70s with the 12AX7 preamp tube for the phase inverter section are phenomenal, but so are the later ones - the OGs will destroy any AC30, Fender Deluxe/Twin/Super/etc, Mesas, even some of the best clean Marshall/Laney tones won't touch the Music Man. We had one in my hometown of Christchurch, NZ, and everyone who played it live and/or recorded with it said it was the best amp they'd ever used. That Music Man was like the town totem - we protected it with our lives.

[@taranis1964]

Of all the gear I've owned my biggest regret was trading a late 70s (78?) MM 65watt 210. Beautiful amp.

[@bobbyberetta4206]

I did the same damn thing along with other gear and it's one of my biggest regrets.

[@wheresallthezombies]

These amps are sick. I really want an original head version. So I can just use my gain pedals with it

[@ArielsSmartyPants]

I want one, where to buy them?

I have the same question...

[@metalicacdc7]

+César e Márcia da costa alves they're all online used now

[@gastonhulsken]

how much money sale this amp ?

[@slingeriff]

I was going on and on about realguitars 80 RG amp which is killer no doubt - but I have to say that this trumps it.

[@RegularDude00]

9:40 fuuuuck meeee is this a killer tone

[@jamiecrawford1634]

WOW! just WOW awesome tone

[@helio1055]

Weren't they designed by Leo Fender?

[@richardcarnese4331]

helio1055 No...Leo was partners with Tom Wheeler, who designed them

[@renjay3743]

+helio1055 Leo Fender and Tom Walker were both involved in the original design of Music man amplifiers around 1974.

[@Livelaughlimpbizkit]

Most people use pedals for their drive and have no problem but they’ll turn their nose up at a solid state preamp. I’d much rather have a tube power amp and solid state preamp then tube preamp and solid state power section

[@johnwpmusic]

I am a proud owner because my dad gave me this gem.

[@arthurnawrath6701]

Great Amp!

[@theexpert8163]

I DON'T WANT TO HEAR THIS AMP MIKES THRU THE FUCKIN STUDIO , I WANT TO HEAR PURE MUSIC MAN PERIOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FUCKIN LIMEY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lesd2633]

I owned and gigged th 212HD130 in the 70/80s. I was a fucking beast and tones of rock distortion or clean depending how you set it. Think fender twin on steroids. So I ca bullshit on this review. Solid state on this amp is like tits n your uncle. Will never be a 70’s compatible model.

[@beeastman1235]

This guy used to date Faye Reagan!

[@TAAMetalWood]

LOL

[@solan417]

so is less then $400 worth it for 1975 ???

[@justinlee9756]

solan417 yes!!! YES!!!! This is a way to get a vintage high quality leo fender made pure workhorse amp!!! I drool over the old ones!!!! Johnny Winters used them from there release until Master Winters passing. Also Albert Lee uses them since they came out. He still has the original ones from the 70s.

[@zacharycollins6548]

Hmm... this or a Roland Jazz Chorus?

[@IchigoIchigo3]

If you're going strictly between this and the Jazz Chorus then I'd go for the Music Man. If I was concerned about money then I'd probably go for the Jazz Chorus (again, if it was strictly between these two) Personally, I'd choose the Polytone Taurus (the Mini-Brute would be great too) over any of the above choices.

[@cantina2425]

i heard these break easily

[@jakemitchell1671]

Perhaps, but I know of one from the mid-70s that fell off a table and bent the control plate and some of the knobs, and it still works perfectly today. That's just one amp, but it's held up like a tank.

[@Mediumreginald]

I have the head and it can go through fuses like mad if you’re gigging a lot but as far as construction it’s built like a tank. Damn well should be with how ridiculously heavy it is

[@thomasandrew3872]

it is basically a Fender amp

[@whatwedointheshadows3349]

It’s fender inspired but they are really their own thing. Also that solid state pre means like no sag at all.

[@theexpert8163]

WHATS HE SAYIN ?????

[@hywel4605]

i had one: it really is only one channel. the first channel is not really usable. it came with amazing phillips valves; when they went they were irresplacable. it also wasn't lound. i could only get one sound out it at a time so not versatile. the overdrive was amazing but vintage sounding. this is an advert not a review

[@daringventures]

What? Aside from the rest of your statement... "not loud"?? I'll bet you I can make your ears bleed within a few seconds with mine, which I put a 15" cone in long ago.

[@hywel4605]

you should have heard my yamaha gs 100!! i used to gid not mic to pa under 3. as for my aligator 200 - well

[@daringventures]

@@hywel4605 Well, all I can tell you is it's capacity for amplitude is plenty more than I would ever need... or would want to listen to... and I tend to run with the loud-ish crowd. My guess is yours was malfunctioning.

[@hywel4605]

maybe. when i tried it out in the shop the owner turned it up full vol, and yes people turned around. does yours have ev speakers.? mine did. they die after a while. what valves do you use. the phillips ones are amazing failing that use groove tubes.

[@daringventures]

@@hywel4605 I yanked the stock 2X12 speakers and put in a 15" JBL years ago. Sovtek tubes. Tellin' ya, mine will blow your head clean off.

[@Abutado]

Good example of drip drip drip.

[@KrisGee]

This got me excited until he said channel one has no reverb. This must be the most idiotic design ever.

[@BD-me4nk]

Kris Gee that's how most two channel Fender amps were so it's nothing out of the ordinary